The BEAT News

May 18, 2011

In the News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
Public Notices Alphabetically by town
The BEAT News Archives

Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)

DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire

Please send items of interest to kristen@thebeatnews.org
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Turtle Watch

Turtle Watch, or the Turtle Mortality Study, is a citizen science study run by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. In the Berkshires, BEAT helps out by distributing safety equipment and training volunteers. This year's Turtle Watch is a little more complicated than last year. Turtle Watch is a citizen science study looking at locations where turtles may be hit by vehicles while trying to cross roads. This year, volunteers will need to sign release forms and return them to the state, pick up safety helmets and vests from BEAT, and choose a site from a list of likely crossings provided by the state. But all the effort will be worthwhile if we can make our roads safer for turtles. If you are interested in participating in turtle watch, please send Jane an email.  The first survey period runs May 25th to May 31st.

Jane
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Zebra Mussel Prevention Effort in Pittsfield

Information on preventing the spread of zebra mussels.

PITTSFIELD – May 16, 2011 – Marking the beginning of boating season and to emphasize the protection of water bodies across the Commonwealth from invasive species, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Edward M. Lambert, Jr. today met with state and local officials in Pittsfield to outline efforts being made to combat the spread of zebra mussels.

DCR has allocated $71,000 to prevent the potential expansion of this invasive aquatic species by funding eight full-time boat ramp monitors who will be stationed at seven area lakes from late May through early September, and the installation of a portable boat wash facility at Laurel Lake in Lee.

“This campaign is key to protecting the natural habitat of many of the Commonwealth rivers, lakes and streams. This highly aggressive freshwater mollusk can cripple an ecosystem and endanger many of the fish and plants already residing there,” said DCR Commissioner Edward Lambert, who hosted the event today on Lake Onota.

Zebra mussels were first discovered in 2009 in Laurel Lake. After quarantine measures were taken to prevent the spread of the mussels to Quabbin Reservoir and other state water bodies, state officials implemented a boat inspection and washing program to safeguard Massachusetts waterways in 2010.

Zebra mussels can multiply greatly and disrupt an ecosystem, covering other freshwater mussels and cutting off resources for other species.  The mussels can also cause damage by attaching to and encrusting the undersides of docks, boats, and anchors. They can be spread to other water bodies on the hulls of boats, and their microscopic larvae can be transported in tiny amounts of water on various watercrafts and any associated gear. Their dense growth can result in the blockage of pipelines, clogging water intakes of municipal water supplies.

Boaters can prevent the spread of zebra mussels by removing all visible plants, mud, or other debris from the hulls of their boats. All drain plugs should be pulled with any standing water allowed to fully drain. Watercraft and equipment should then be allowed to dry for one week. Dry times should be longer if weather has been unseasonably cool or wet. Note: Vessels that have been exposed to freezing temperatures for the winter are considered to be decontaminated.

For faster results, after cleaning and draining, boaters can also employ one or more of the following decontamination methods on all vessel parts in that have come into contact with water and carpeted trailer bunks:

  • Use steam or scalding hot water. Water temperature must be as close to 155 degrees as possible at the nozzle (Note: Caution should be taken as this temperature may cause scalding to exposed skin). Keep contact for 10 seconds or more.  A high pressure spray is best to clean the outside surfaces of vessels and low pressure should be used to flush live wells, bilges, ballasts, and engines. Run the water through the craft’s cooling system for at least ten seconds at 140 degrees.
  • Use chlorine bleach solution (1 oz. per gallon of water). Wet surfaces with the mixture for at least ten minutes before rinsing with clean water. Clean all exterior surfaces and flush live wells, bilges, ballasts, and engines with solution. The solution will remain effective for up to 24 hours after mixing.
  • Wash surfaces with Lysol (Note: If using the concentrate, dilute to achieve 1 percent active ingredient) for at least 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water. Clean all exterior surfaces and flush live wells, bilges, ballasts, and engines with solution. Run outboard engines in a tub, bucket or barrel of solution. Due to the possible dilution with rinse water, the solution should not be reused.
  • Boaters can also use vinegar (100 percent concentration) as a decontaminate. Surfaces should be exposed for at least 20 minutes before rinsing with clean water. A fresh solution should also be used each time because of the possible dilution with rinse water.

To report a zebra mussel sighting or for more information, contact Massachusetts DCR Lakes and Ponds Program at 617-626-1250 or www.mass.gov/lakesa.

###

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.

Follow Secretary Sullivan on Twitter............................ twitter.com/massEEA
View videos on You Tube.......................................... www.youtube.com/MassEEA
View downloadable photographs on Flickr.................. www.flickr.com/photos/masseea/sets/
Visit the Energy Smarts blog..................................... www.mass.gov/blog/energy
Visit The Great Outdoors blog.................................... www.mass.gov/blog/environment
Visit our website........................................................ www.mass.gov/dcr

251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02116 — (617) 626-1250 office / (617) 626-1351 (fax)

Reginald Zimmerman
Assistant Press Secretary
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1052 office - (617) 960-7594 mobile - (617) 626-1027 fax

Follow Secretary Sullivan on Twitter: twitter.com/massEEA
Visit The Great Outdoors blog: www.mass.gov/blog/environment
Visit the Energy Smarts blog: http://www.mass.gov/blog/energy
View videos on You Tube: www.youtube.com/MassEEA
View downloadable photographs on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/masseea/sets/
Visit our website: www.mass.gov/eea
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Senate Budget Out Next Week!
from Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup

State budget activity continues on Beacon Hill – next up, the Senate Ways and Means proposal for Fiscal Year 2012.  The Senate budget proposal is released next Wednesday, amendments are due Friday at noon, and budget debate begins the following Wednesday, May 25th.  If the Senate does not restore the 10% House cut in funding to the Department of Environmental Protection, the already limping agency faces closure of a regional office, inability to implement federal environmental requirements, and drastically reduced permitting, water and air quality staff.  The wetlands circuit rider program – key to helping towns implement the Wetlands Protection Act – may be eliminated.  The Department of Conservation and Recreation also faces additional layoffs, park and pool closures, and a reduced camping season.  Stay tuned and get ready to call your state Senator!

For more on Massachusetts’ environmental budget, see what Mass Audubon’s Jennifer Ryan had to say in a recent Sun Chronicle article: http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2011/05/09/news/9267232.txt
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Williamstown Rural Lands to Hold Summer Art And Nature Programs

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is offering several summer art and nature programs for children at its Sheep Hill headquarters on Cold Spring Road (Route 7) in Williamstown.

For three weeks beginning the last week in June, environmental educator and Science Enrichment Specialist Kathy Chesney returns to Sheep Hill in Williamstown to lead nature programs for young children.  In addition to extensive teaching experience, Kathy has a variety of experience in running summer nature programs and is currently designing and teaching preschool programs in science and math for the Williamstown Preschools, and teaching science at the Hiland Hall School in Bennington . 

WRLF Executive Director Leslie Reed-Evans states “Kathy brings to Sheep Hill the enthusiasm and experience needed to connect children to the wonders of, and inspire their curiosity about, the natural world.  We are very excited to welcome Kathy back to Sheep Hill.”

The week-long programs will run the last week of June and the first two weeks of July, and will introduce children to Sheep Hill’s pond and meadow and their winged and four-footed inhabitants.  Nature drawing, nature crafts, and cooking will also be a part of the program. The sessions will run daily from 9AM to 1 PM.  The week of July 5th is for 4 and 5 year olds (4 days only); the weeks beginning June 26th and July 11th are for 6 to 8 year olds.

Beginning July 25th artist and art educator Julia Morgan-Leamon will offer a week long Art in Nature program for children aged 9-12. The classes will run from 9 AM to noon. With the inspiring backdrop of Sheep Hill, aspiring artists will make nature journals, draw and paint in the landscape, and create outdoor sculpture!

The final summer program offered at Sheep Hill is an outdoor skills program that features a camp-out on the last day.  Survivor Sheep Hill will teach basic first aid, way finding, rustic shelter building, knot tying, and other skills needed to survive in the wilderness for ages 9-12, The program is led by outdoorsmen Dave Ackerson and Art Evans and will run daily 9 AM to 3 PM Monday August 15  through Thursday August 18, 2011.  Thursday night, weather permitting, the camp out will be held. The program concludes after breakfast Friday.

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is a non-profit, member-supported land conservation trust committed to preserving the rural New England character of Williamstown and the surrounding area.  Sheep Hill is a conservation property and the WRLF headquarters, and is located on Route 7, about 1 mile south of the rotary in Williamstown center. 

For more information or for registration forms contact the WRLF at ruraland@wrlf.org, or 413-458-2494.
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Innovative Approaches to Wildlife/Highway Interactions

Now Open for Application:

August 16-18, 2011   National Conservation Training Center, WV

If you are dealing with road modifications or construction that may impact natural resource lands; if you are working with habitat fragmentation and population connectivity issues related to climate or landscape changes; or if you are involved in permit review of transportation projects that impact wildlife - this course is for you.

Designed for both resource biologists and engineers, this class will cover innovations and current issues relating to wildlife-highway conflicts and interactions.

> Full description can be found by Googling "TEC7189"

(Site includes link for Department of Interior employees to apply through their Learning Management System)

>All others may apply by faxing or emailing in a hard copy application.

Found at: http://training.fws.gov/documents/Application_Student.pdf

(Be sure to include agency billing information on your application for the $570 tuition.)

Course Content Questions:
Glenn_Gravatt@fws.gov
304-876-7456

Help with Applying:
Lee_Crouse@fws.gov
304-876-7444

Due to modifications in our registration system, taking place mid-May, please also email:   Lee_Crouse@fws.gov   and let him know that you submitted a learning request for this course.   Thank you. ***
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Kenai National Wildlife Refuge seeks Ecologist
 (This is far afield, but a gorgeous location)

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, based in Soldotna, Alaska, is seeking a GS-0408-11/12 Ecologist. The refuge boasts a spectacular landscape, encompassing 2 million acres of boreal ecosystems including the Harding Icefield, white and black spruce forests, extensive lowland wetlands, alpine tundra, and a coastal estuary.  The ideal candidate for this position will expand on previous research conducted on the historic rates of wildfire and spruce bark beetle outbreaks, and the effects of recent climate change on rising treelines, drying wetlands, and species assemblages.  The ideal candidate is also expected to initiate collaborative studies of other ecological features and processes, including the sponsoring of graduate students.  This position is part of the refuge biological program, which supports the management of wildlife, plants and their habitats, and includes the supervisory biologist, database manager, GIS manager/modeler, pilot/biologist, entomologist, and two biological technicians.    

More information on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge can be found at http://kenai.fws.gov/ and on Soldotna at http://www.visitsoldotna.com/.

This position is advertised through USAJOBS (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/) and is being announced under R7-11-46933-JE (all qualified applicants; OPM control #2249372) and R7-11-469037-JE (Federal employees only; OPM control #2249373; http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?OPMControl=2249373). 
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Director of Conservation Planning

Defenders of Wildlife seeks a Director of Conservation Planning who understands the latest developments in conservation and business planning and can implement that knowledge in ways that catalyze dramatically better conservation.  The Director of Conservation Planning is responsible for developing and implementing Defenders’ programs to promote effective conservation planning and implementation.  In projects across the country, the Director will work closely and build relationships with federal, state, and private land management partners to incorporate new strategies into existing plans such as the State Wildlife Action Plans and Federal Endangered Species Recovery Plans, as well as new climate change adaptation plans.  The Director will work closely with scientists and planners as well as land and wildlife management communities to enhance the community of practice.   The Director will also oversee a program that provides capacity and support to conservation programs within the organization, including facilitating strategic planning, analyzing spatial data, and presenting related information in novel ways for our advocacy efforts.

http://www.defenders.org/about_us/jobs/director,_conservation_planning.php
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